With new parts, it can take time for a machine to run at full strength.

For the Immaculata boys’ basketball team, Thursday was one of those nights where the kinks in its cogs caused too many blown chances for an Imac victory.

To open the new season, the Raiders introduced three new starters and a handful of fresh varsity players. The experience resulted in a 55-41 loss to visiting Heritage Christian.

“We had a lot of young guys get their first taste of varsity action tonight,” Imac coach Mike Connelly said. “And even though it ended up in a loss, they never stop hustling. They never quit. They represented Immaculata well.”

The game actually began in the Raiders favor when after one quarter of play the squad was up 9-8. But from there the Chargers cranked up its defensive pressure and started to squeeze the inexperience out of Imac.

“They were very aggressive against us and we struggled with that,” Connelly said. “It’s something these guys will learn to deal with as they get more games underneath them.”

By half, Heritage had built a 25-19 advantage and then extended that to 38-29 entering the fourth quarter.

In the last period, Imac tried to stick with the Chargers, yet couldn’t keep up with its visitors’ offensively.

Sean Murray was the team’s leading point man with 20 while Danny Boisson added seven and Josh Boeppler kicked in six. Jarret McCall had five points, Drew Sachen two and Connor Goetz one.

The Raiders, 0-1, will play at Horton Friday starting at 7 p.m.

Huge comeback sparks USM win

Down 10 midway through the second half, the University of Saint Mary men’s basketball team began a rousing rally Thursday.

After trailing by double digits, the Spires scratched all the way back to take a 68-67 lead with 3:47 left.

The squad then nailed its free throws down the stretch to claim the 82-76 comeback win.

Kevin Harvey led the team in scoring with 26 points and splashed home six 3-pointers.

USM, now 1-0 in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference and 5-5 overall, will go to Friends University next for a 7 p.m. game Saturday.